An Aboriginal heritage study, the launch of a restored 1940s steam locomotive, and an adaptation of a state-of-the-art regional art gallery were among the 16 winners recognised across eight categories, two individual prizes, a special President’s Prize and the highly sought after Judges’ Choice Award.

The National Trust Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice in the field of heritage, awarding excellence in conservation, protection, and interpretation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage over the past year. The Awards are the signature event of the Australian Heritage Festival in New South Wales, co-ordinated by the National Trust and proudly supported by the NSW Government through Heritage NSW.

In a ceremony presented by the ABC’s Simon Marnie, winners collected trophies for outstanding projects, while the Judges’ Choice Award went to The Great Cobar Museum and Visitor Information Centre entered by Dunn & Hillam Architects, an incredible regional project that has completely revived the significant heritage building.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust (NSW) Debbie Mills said: “I would like to congratulate this year’s winners – and all entrants – for their perseverance and dedication to heritage. We received an exceptional number and quality of entrants, all of which showcase just how much there is to appreciate, acknowledge and celebrate.”

The Hon. James Griffin, NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage, said the Awards are a unique chance to celebrate the diversity of heritage right across our state. “The winning projects remind us not only of the importance of protecting our shared past, but also the ways in which we can bring heritage to life for all the people of New South Wales to enjoy and explore.”

“These Awards provide much-needed acknowledgement of the work that goes into heritage conservation and protection,” said Heritage NSW’s Executive Director, Sam Kidman. “Congratulations to all the winners. We look forward to seeing the benefits of these projects in communities across New South Wales for years to come.”

Matthew Devine presided as Chair of the jury for the National Trust Heritage Awards in 2022. Judges on the panel included: Barrina South, David Burdon, Dr Siobhán Lavelle OAM, Kathryn Pitkin AM, Lynn Collins and Peter Salhani.

The 2022 winners are:

Aboriginal Heritage

• Woollahra Aboriginal Heritage Study – entered by Woollahra Council

Adaptive Re-Use

• Ngununggula, Southern Highlands Regional Art Gallery at Retford Park – entered by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects
• Stephenson’s Mill – entered by Susan Hutton
• Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – entered by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects

Conservation – Built Heritage

• The Great Cobar Museum and Visitor Information Centre – entered by Dunn & Hillam Architects

Conservation – Interiors and Objects

• The Discovery of an Old Master Panel Painting Masquerading as a 19^th Century Copy – entered by International Conservation Services
• Tulkiyan Interiors Conservation – entered by Ku-ring-gai Council

Continuing Tradition

• Boer War Memorial Conservation Works – entered by Parramatta Park Trust

Education and Interpretation

• Old Dubbo Gaol Upgrade – Stage 1 – entered by Dubbo Regional Council

Events, Exhibitions and Tours

• In Search of…My First Nations of Australia Ancestors – entered by Society of Australian Genealogists
• Locomotive 3801 Relaunch Events Program – entered by Transport Heritage NSW

Resources and Publications

• Andrew Andersons: Architecture and the Public Realm – entered by NewSouth

SPECIAL CATEGORIES:

Judges’ Choice

• The Great Cobar Museum and Visitor Information Centre – entered by Dunn & Hillam Architects

President’s Prize

• Dawn Fraser Baths – entered by TKD Architects

Lifetime Achievement

• Bruce Pettman

Heritage Skills

• Rick Allan

Media contacts:

Susan Darwiche

Double Shot PR – Director

Phone: 0414 706 704

Email:susan@doubleshotpr.com.au

Leah Tasker

Director, Marketing and Communications

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Phone: 0435 266 924

Email: LTasker@nationaltrust.com.au